A guide to the magical blue lakes of Mount Gambier

With its vibrant hue, Blue Lake Mount Gambier is celebrated for all the right reasons, but the good news? There’s plenty more where that came from. 

To visit Blue Lake Mount Gambier or Little Blue Lake Mount Gambier? It’s far from the only question you’ll be asking when you descend on this breathtaking patch of South Australia’s Limestone Coast, such as…

What exactly are the Blue Lakes of Mount Gambier?

It’s unusual that so many spectacular lakes should be concentrated so close to one another, but they’re the result of explosive volcanic activity rocking the earth some 5,000 years ago, creating a series of crater lakes.

The dazzling Little Blue Lake is around 47 metres deep. (Image: Lucy Adamopoulos)

While Blue Lake/Warwar, celebrated for the mysterious way it turns a vibrant cobalt (and occasionally, turquoise) from November onwards before making the transition to steel grey come March, has become synonymous with Mount Gambier, it’s actually just one of several lakes that make up the Crater Lakes Precinct which includes Valley Lake/Ketla Malpi, Brownes Lake/Kroweratwari and Leg of Mutton Lake/Yatton Loo.

The Blue Lakes of Mount Gambier are nothing short of spectacular. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/Czech Aus Out)

But wait, you forgot Little Blue Lake?

Disregard the ‘lake’ in its title, Little Blue Lake – again, a dazzling body of water (some 47 metres deep) which turns a brilliant blue between November and March, is actually a sinkhole just 15 minutes from Mount Gambier.

Little Blue Lake turns brilliant blue between November and March. (Image: Mitch Toft)

Popular with swimmers and cave divers (the latter only permitted for divers who hold at least the CDAA Deep Cavern grade dive rating, Little Blue Lake with its stairs and floating pontoon is one of Australia’s most accessible sinkholes.

Go swimming or cave diving at Little Blue Lake. (Image: paulpayasalad)

What’s the best way to experience Blue Lake? 

Let’s start with how you won’t be experiencing it; as the lake serves as the city’s water supply, there is no swimming allowed. The good news? You can still enjoy this almost circular, one kilometre lake however by tackling the 3.6-kilometre walking trail that follows its rim, a 45-minute journey best started at the Pioneer Memorial (although you can start the walk from any point).

The turquoise lake beckons for a refreshing dip. (Image: Joanne Rogers)

Scenic lookouts are dotted around the lake, but keep an eye out for Rotary Lookout where you can view the Centenary Tower, the Pumping Station and Mount Schank. As mentioned, if you can time your visit to slot in neatly between November and March, you’ll see the lake at its vibrant best.

See the Little Blue Lake at its vibrant best. (Image: Lucy Adamopoulos)

Which other lakes do you recommend around Mount Gambier? 

Take a short drive to the Crater Lakes where Valley Lake is home to a wildlife-filled conservation park heaving with native flora and fauna. While some choose to make the most of water sport options on the water, this is the ultimate spot for a relaxed picnic, a casual barbeque (there are free barbeque facilities onsite), or if you’re feeling active, a round or two of disc golf at the Crater Lakes Disc Course.

Be surrounded by native flora and fauna at the Crater Lakes. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/ Czech Aus Out)

Our recommendation? Set up a spot by Brownes Lake/Kroweratwari, the site of the original Mount Gambier Botanical Gardens and bring the kids: the adventure playground will thrill kids and kidults of all ages.

Admire stunning vistas. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/Czech Aus Out)

Valley Lakes Recreation Area is particularly picturesque in the autumn months when the flame trees put on a spectacular show of vibrant yellow, red and burnt orange hues.

Valley Lake is most picturesque come autumn. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/Czech Aus Out)

Be sure to also check out the curiously named Leg of Mutton Lake – for its shape which is, you guessed it, shaped like a lamb leg. Although it’s now dry due to reductions in the water table, the dramatic wooded area is an excellent location for hikes.

Tackle the scenic walking trail to the Blue Lake. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/Czech Aus Out)

Choose between the 4.2-kilometre Mountain Trail (begin at Mark’s Lookout and follow the track in an anti-clockwise direction for the best views), the moderate 1.7-kilometre Pepperpot Trail and Blue Lake Circuit, or for those who prefer something shorter, the Oaks, Blue Gum and the The Browns Lake walks.

The Valley Lakes Recreation Area is within the Crater Lakes precinct in Mount Gambier. (Image: City of Mount Gambier/Czech Aus Out)

Is there anything else I should know? 

Sure, you can either hire a car and make your way to each of the lakes to explore at your own pace, or you can book an Aquifer Tour at Blue Lake, if you prefer a guided experience with a side of history.

Cool off at the Little Blue Lake. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Head here for more tried and tested tips on visiting Mount Gambier.